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Join me every week as I share a few shout-outs on romance author goings-on, related events and recommended reads.

Book review

Losing to Win by Michele Grant

What it's about (courtesy of publisher Dafina):

The small town of Belle Haven, Louisiana, is still struggling with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the Gulf oil spill, and its residents will do whatever it takes to get it back on its feet. So when local English teacher Carissa Melody Wayne is asked to appear on the weight-loss reality show Losing to Win, she agrees. She doesn't realize that others from her past will be joining her, including her high school nemesis, an acquaintance who's been nursing a long-time crush on her--and most shocking of all, Carissa's ex-fiancé, former NFL star Malachi Knight.

As Carissa's group is split into pairs to compete in a series of challenges, she finds herself at the mercy of the chaotic Hollywood crew and cast members, and her own unfinished business. Soon enough, she discovers that her biggest challenge will be deciding what's really important to her, what she's willing to do to win--and how to do it with cameras following her 24/7...

Michele Grant launches Losing to Win with a sensitive subject laced with a comedic touch. Carissa Wayne makes you laugh, makes you see her side of life, and makes you root for the ultimate outcome. Malachi Knight sounded like a Dove chocolate drop from the first page that he's on ... BTW, I do love Dove chocolates.

The journey to the perfect match is what showcases Grant's literary style. Her characters are vulnerable and lovable. Her story is spot-on highlighting women's insecurities, challenges of dating and balancing life's priorities. Grant makes Carissa's personal journey to finding her love, on her terms, a heartfelt win.

"Seasons of Love" by Nevea Lane.(Photo: Nevea Lane)

Book review

Seasons of Love by Nevea Lane

Nevea Lane bundled two I/R erotic romance short stories, Disturbing the Yuletide and Shaking Up the New Year, to make Seasons of Love. DJ Bluefire, aka Topaz Aura Sinclair, is busy for the Christmas season DJing at events. Sebastian Rosser, a British ex-military special ops soldier turned caterer and chef is a last-minute option for the event. He's in the right place at the right time when his sandwich-making skills come to the rescue of her hunger. The two immediately connect when the attraction and desire between them launch their erotic romantic journey during the holiday season.

Book review

Quit Happens by Jeanie Johnson and Jayha Leigh

Meet Pluck Brevard, a co-founder of Rho Beta Omicron Tau sorority. She is driven and successful and knows what she wants in life, in her men, and in carnal pursuits. Her erotic journey begins when car problems strand her in Pleasanton, North Carolina.

Grit Joyance of SMJ Towing has all the equipment and tools to solve the car problems. I think Pluck may expand that assessment to her other personal desires. The two verbally spar, while falling toward each other in mutual attraction. Johnson and Leigh deliver with prowess their knack for the kick-butt heroine and alpha male.

Author Harmony Evans shares her characters framed in the theme of community, gratitude and appreciation:

Harmony: On his way to the top, pro basketball star Derek Lansing, the hero in my second novel, Stealing Kisses, forgot about the importance of family. With the help of life coach Natalie Kenyon, he tries to reconnect with his father and brother before it's too late.

During the time I was writing Stealing Kisses, my mother passed away at age 82. As I grieved, I found it difficult to be thankful for all the times we shared. Instead, it was easier to feel guilty about all the times we were both too busy to be bothered. Family grounds you, and sustains you, and can help you feel successful, even though they may sometimes drive you nuts. Large or small, traditional or non-traditional, cherish your family now. So you never have to wonder "what if?"

Check out the trailer for Stealing Kisses:

Author sale

Bettye Griffin is hosting a multiauthor book sale Black Friday (Nov. 29) through Cyber Monday. A website preview page is up and the actual site listing books and links will go live just before midnight CT Thanksgiving. Stop in and get your shopping on at www.thegreatindiebooksale.com.

Michelle Monkou celebrates her upcoming Kimani February release, One of a Kind, available for pre-order now. Her website is MichelleMonkou.blogspot.com.